Jonah McKeown

Jonah McKeown

Jonah McKeown is a staff writer and podcast producer for Catholic News Agency. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has worked as a writer, as a producer for public radio, and as a videographer. He is based in St. Louis.

Articles by Jonah McKeown

Mother of ‘brain dead’ Michigan teen: 'Allow for him to fight'

Nov 1, 2019 / 15:56 pm

The mother of a Michigan teenager who was recently declared brain dead is asking for prayers and support, after a judge ordered a hospital to continue life support until a Nov. 7 court hearing on her son’s health status.

In opioid-hit west Michigan, Catholic Charities plans to open detox center

Oct 31, 2019 / 07:01 am

Catholic Charities West Michigan has announced plans to build a $4.5 million detox center, expected to serve 700 people a year recovering from drug or alcohol addiction.

Dia de los Muertos about more than the 'bread of the dead,' bishop says

Oct 30, 2019 / 03:00 am

Dia de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” is a primarily Mexican way of celebrating the feast of All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day.

CNA Newsroom: Burning Love

Oct 28, 2019 / 00:00 am

This week on CNA Newsroom, we're talking about purgatory. We explore Church teaching on purgatory; purgatory as imagined by the Italian poet Dante; a youth ministry group whose special charism is praying for the dead; and finally we'll visit Rome's famous Museum of the Holy Souls in Purgatory. 

As Hong Kong withdraws extradition bill, Catholic leaders call for inquiry into police tactics

Oct 23, 2019 / 16:00 pm

Amid continued controversy surrounding large-scale political protests in Hong Kong, and fears of a crackdown by the Communist Chinese government, Catholic leaders are echoing protesters’ calls for an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality.

CNA Newsroom: "Borderlands"

Oct 21, 2019 / 00:00 am

The number of Central American and Mexican migrants crossing the southern border into the United States has slowed to a trickle, but in terms of helping families in need, Catholic groups at the border know there is still much to be done.

CNA Newsroom: And You Visited Me

Oct 14, 2019 / 00:00 am

The number of people in prison in the U.S. has grown by a factor of five since the 1970s. An estimated 5 million children have a parent in prison. 

Texas Knights of Columbus work with Mexican Knights to aid migrants

Oct 10, 2019 / 20:01 pm

Following an August announcement from the Knights of Columbus that the group would commit at least $250,000 to aid migrants at the US-Mexico border, the fraternal organization’s Texas leaders are announcing a joint effort with a Mexican council to aid migrants south of the border.

CNA Newsroom: "Let's Stick Together"

Oct 7, 2019 / 00:00 am

During the years 2015-2017, the divorce rate in one Florida county dropped by nearly one-third. This week on the podcast, writer Mary Farrow tells the story of how a coalition of churches helped to make it happen— and whether the model can be replicated in the rest of the country.

Michigan governor axes funding for pregnancy, parenting support

Oct 1, 2019 / 17:34 pm

Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer has line-item vetoed from the state’s budget $700,000 in funding for the Michigan Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services Program, to the consternation of the Michigan Catholic Conference and a pro-life group active in the state.

CNA Newsroom: Newman’s Own

Sep 30, 2019 / 00:00 am

Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman will be canonized October 13. This week on CNA Newsroom, we talk about Newman's life and witness; and the miracle that secured his canonization. 

At US-Mexico border, bishops emphasize bonds of faith and family

Sep 26, 2019 / 10:15 am

At a Mass and press conference held at the US-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas on Wednesday, bishops from the border region emphasized the importance of providing care for migrant families, especially those who share a common faith and baptism with American Catholics.

Hong Kong Catholic leaders: Vatican involvement in protests unlikely

Sep 22, 2019 / 10:01 am

Catholics in Hong Kong are continuing to participate in large-scale protests on the island territory, which have been going on now for over 100 days.

Poll suggests a majority of Buffalo Catholics want Bishop Malone to resign

Sep 18, 2019 / 15:05 pm

Bishop Richard Malone of Buffalo, New York is facing fresh calls for his resignation, after a local news organization commissioned a poll that suggests a majority of Catholics and lapsed Catholics in the diocese would like to see him step down because of his alleged mishandling of clerical sexual abuse cases.

Ousted Planned Parenthood president says board violating contract on terms of exit

Sep 16, 2019 / 14:59 pm

Dr. Leana Wen, the former president of Planned Parenthood whom the board fired in July amid a dispute over the group’s mission, is reportedly still locked in a contract disagreement with the board over the terms of her exit.

Florida parents who refused chemo for child denied custody

Sep 12, 2019 / 16:20 pm

A judge in Florida has denied a couple custody of their four-year-old son, who has leukemia, because there is “imminent risk of neglect” if he stays with his parents, who skipped a chemotherapy session for the child in order to leave the state to seek alternative treatments.

Cardinal Dolan 'consulting extensively' about allegations against Buffalo Bishop Malone

Sep 11, 2019 / 09:59 am

Amid calls for his resignation, Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo remains firm in his conviction not to step down from office, even as Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York assesses whether to open an investigation into Malone’s alleged mishandling of abuse cases.

CNA Newsroom: The Loneliest Episode (Part 1)

Sep 9, 2019 / 00:00 am

A July report by YouGov suggested millennials are the loneliest generation - with higher rates of loneliness than both Generation X and Baby Boomers. We talk with two millennials about loneliness and explore why millennials are so lonely - and how the Church can respond. 

Student leader: Withdrawal of Hong Kong extradition bill not enough to quell protests

Sep 4, 2019 / 14:49 pm

Despite Hong Kong’s chief executive announcing that she will withdraw a controversial extradition bill, protests are continuing, with demonstrators demanding additional government and police reforms, said the leader of local Catholic student group.

Hong Kong auxiliary bishop calls for ‘Friday fasting’ amid ongoing protests

Sep 4, 2019 / 02:01 am

As widespread protests continue in Hong Kong, a local bishop is urging people to pray and fast for peace, while speaking up against injustice and corruption.